A/HRC/22/11
intolerance and about the inappropriate use of article 261bis of the Criminal Code against
persons who had expressed their opinions about historical events. Turkey made
recommendations.
57.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the creation
of the Swiss Resource Centre for Human Rights and efforts to combat human trafficking. It
encouraged Switzerland to enact legislation to tackle the sexual exploitation of women and
girls and ensure that victims received support. It encouraged ratification of CPED and
CRPD. It made a recommendation.
58.
The United States of America was concerned at reports of insufficient care, lengthy
detention and the treatment of migrants held in immigration detention. It was also
concerned about the lack of detention facilities allowing for unaccompanied minors seeking
immigration protection to be held separately from adults. It was concerned that minority
groups were deprived of their right to express their cultural and religious traditions. It made
recommendations.
59.
Uruguay noted the cooperation of Switzerland with the universal human rights
system and measures adopted to improve compatibility between popular initiatives and
international human rights law. It asked whether child prostitution and the worst forms of
child labour had been prohibited. Uruguay made recommendations.
60.
Uzbekistan welcomed the establishment of the Swiss Resource Centre for Human
Rights, but noted reports of shortcomings in combating racism and xenophobia, including
the excessive use of force by police against immigrants. It also noted that International
Labour Organization (ILO) experts had called upon Switzerland to take steps to protect
children, especially those involved in prostitution. Uzbekistan made recommendations.
61.
Viet Nam recognized that Switzerland, a country well known for its peaceful
environment and human rights record, had spared no efforts in ensuring the rule of law,
social welfare and gender equality. However, it expressed concern at the reported growth in
racial discrimination and human trafficking. It made a recommendation.
62.
Algeria highlighted that even a developed country was not immune to human rights
weaknesses. It was concerned at an upsurge in racism, intolerance and xenophobia.
According to Algeria, racism, particularly Islamophobia, was evident in public
consultations such as those leading to a ban on minarets construction. Algeria made
recommendations.
63.
Angola noted Swiss efforts and commitment to combating racial discrimination. It
asked what stage had been reached in consultations on draft amendments to legislation to
more strictly regulate the right of foreigners to integration and increase their active
participation. Angola made a recommendation.
64.
Argentina commended Switzerland on establishing the Swiss Resource Centre for
Human Rights and welcomed amendments to the Civil Code guaranteeing equality between
spouses with regard to names and the right to nationality. Argentina made
recommendations.
65.
Switzerland thanked the delegations participating in the interactive dialogue for their
interest in the functioning of the Confederation and the human rights situation in the
country. With regard to matters raised during the dialogue and questions submitted in
advance, the delegation provided the following comments.
66.
Regarding the compatibility of popular initiatives with human rights, the delegation
explained that the mechanisms of direct democracy were an essential part of the Swiss
political tradition. Thus, popular initiatives were critical to secure the confidence existing
between the State and its citizens. At the same time, Switzerland was aware of the
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